Once a politician was asked a question about his stance on a difficult issue, and he responded: "Some of my friends are for it, and some are against it. And I always agree with my friends!"

I strive to be a forward thinking civil servant, not a politician. But I am in the political arena, and ultimately, I have to vote "yes" or "no" on many difficult decisions. Zoning issues are difficult because facts are complex and emotions can be high.

All the council members have gotten many passionate calls and emails about the rezoning at State 14 and Woodruff Road. While few are answered personally, all contacts are considered as information. Some emails share facts, many express strong feelings and opinions, others incorrect information or selective points. Recent letters descended to name-calling and personal attacks.

Here is why I support re-zoning one corner of this intersection in my district, which is up for a final reading at the Tuesday, July 18 council meeting.

• County planning professionals, Planning Commission volunteers, and P&D officials voted to approve the zoning request based on their knowledge of 2009 County Comprehensive Land Use Plan, zoning facts, reports, and current action plans. The full council voted 10-2 at second reading in favor of rezoning.

• The Comp Plan identifies this major intersection of connector corridors with high traffic volumes as a “Suburban Center,” suggesting commercial, retail and office activities. Significant area growth since 2009 probably merits a “Regional Center” status today.

• The East Woodruff Road Plan (EWRP) 2007 suggests use as Residential Suburban (RS). Many see high end RS as the only acceptable zoning for the corner. But high end RS residents complain about high volume traffic and prefer to live in protected enclaves.

• Owners can offer their land for its highest and best use, and seek to derive highest value. Investors bear risks if they develop facilities that do not attract sufficient customers.

• Owner/developer presents mixed use, less intensive uses than earlier applications. Southside School will benefit from proposed new offices/classrooms. The owner provides adequate buffer space, and has built a wall. He will create natural screens (e.g. evergreen cedars or magnolias trees) along the access road between the cemetery and the corner property.

All of us agree traffic congestion is a problem across the county. Our population growth from a half million in 2017 to 700,000 in 2030 is predicted and can worsen traffic. Hopefully, the new state gas tax income and transport plans will improve roads, bridges, and intersections, reduce congestion and commute times, but we need different solutions as well.

Experts predict automated, connected, electric, shared (ACES) will dominate U.S. transport options by 2030. Some of us want to accelerate ACES technology in Greenville. ACES could increase mobility and access, and reduce congestion and traffic problems along major corridors.

Some people are negative about change, and are highly critical of change advocates. Others are open to positive efforts to create a better future. In 10 years, I believe almost all of us will see that this re-zoning is a good decision.

Can citizens impact future community issues? Yes!

Residents in neighborhoods have the right to organize their neighbors and create a “County Improvement District” (CID). If you want more lighting, water, parks, etc., you can create special tax CID for that amenity. Many communities have created "lighting" or other special districts. I encourage Woodruff Road residents to consider CID options.

District 28 constituents on Highway 247 in south Greenville and I cooperated to bring over 5 miles of public water line to an area where wells were failing. Property owners agreed to pay a GWS fee to install a main waterline on their County tax invoice until costs were re-paid. The County collects installation costs over time. Owners pay for water connection and service to their house.

Citizen input is sought regularly. I'd urge you to attend public planning and zoning hearings and speak out. Volunteer to serve on county committees. Respond to surveys. Be proactive.

Join efforts to bring advanced transport solutions to Greenville. The Upstate could become a model for deploying 21st century transport solutions that also create economic development, high tech jobs, and a better quality of life.

Let’s work together to improve Greenville for our grandchildren, children and ourselves.

Fred Payne is a Greenville County Councilman representing District 28, which extends from Woodruff Road between Interstate 85 and Five Forks Road southward including parts of Mauldin, Simpsonville and West Georgia Road to Rocky Creek Road